5. The bullpen has been lights-out

Middle relief is one of the most unglamorous jobs in sports, but also one of the most important. When starter Jonathan Sanchez was yanked just two innings into Game 6 of the NLCS, it should’ve been cause for alarm for Giants fans. Instead, the San Fran bullpen was sensational, allowing no runs when Philadelphia was playing for its season. Jeremy Affeldt pitched hitless innings in three and four. Madison Bumgarner kept the Phillies off the board for two, opening the door for Javy Lopez to pitch the seventh inning and get the win. If a Giants starter falters, Bruce Bochy will have no hesitation to go to his pen.